That’s wild—I didn’t realize how much documenting you have to do for insurance. Is it always like that, or just when the storm’s really bad? Honestly, I’m still figuring out what even counts as “damage.” Like, if a shingle just looks a little curled, is that enough? And is it normal for the adjuster to want shots from up high? I’m not thrilled about getting on my roof either. Wondering if I should just hire someone to do the photos next time...
Yeah, the insurance photo thing is a whole circus, right? I swear, after our last hailstorm, I felt like I was auditioning for “America’s Next Top Roofer.” The adjuster wanted close-ups, wide shots, and even a selfie with the damage (kidding, but it felt like it). I get it—they want proof, but I’m not exactly Spider-Man. My roof’s got a pitch that makes me dizzy just thinking about it.
About what counts as damage: I’ve had adjusters say “curled” shingles are “wear and tear,” not storm damage. But if they’re missing, cracked, or you see granules in your gutters, that’s usually a green light for a claim. It’s a gray area, though. I once tried to point out a shingle that looked like it had a bad hair day, and the guy just shrugged.
Honestly, I’m not risking my neck for a few photos. Last time, I paid a handyman $50 to climb up and snap pics. Worth every penny—cheaper than a hospital bill. Some folks use drone services now, which sounds fancy but apparently isn’t that expensive if you can find someone local.
As for costs, it’s all over the place. My neighbor patched a few shingles himself for under $100 (plus a lot of cursing). Meanwhile, my repair after a tree branch punched a hole through the roof was $2,200, and that was with insurance covering most of it. If you’ve got an older roof, expect the adjuster to nitpick every little thing.
Bottom line: take as many photos as you can (from the ground if you’re chicken like me), and don’t be shy about hiring someone for the risky stuff. Insurance folks love documentation, but they’re not paying your ER bill if you fall off the roof.
- Seen the “photo circus” a lot.
— can’t argue with that logic. I’ve inspected dozens of claims where homeowners tried to DIY the photo evidence and ended up with blurry shots (or worse, a twisted ankle).“I paid a handyman $50 to climb up and snap pics. Worth every penny—cheaper than a hospital bill.”
- On what counts as storm damage: adjusters are all over the map. One time, I flagged a roof with obvious hail bruising, but the insurance guy called it “cosmetic.” Meanwhile, a neighbor’s missing shingle got them a full replacement. No rhyme or reason sometimes.
- Costs: last big storm here (Midwest), asphalt shingle repairs ranged from $300 for a patch job to $8K for full replacements, depending on age and size. Metal roofs usually fare better but cost way more up front.
- Drone photos: seen more folks using them lately. Not perfect, but safer than climbing a steep roof after rain.
- My take: document everything, but don’t risk your neck. Insurance wants proof, but they’re not footing your medical bills if you slip. And yeah, older roofs = more nitpicking. Always.
That bit about paying a handyman for photos—totally get it.
I tried to get up on my own roof after a storm once, and my wife nearly had a heart attack watching me wobble around. Ended up with shaky photos and a bruised ego. Drones are a game changer, but I still find the insurance folks nitpick over every little thing, especially if your roof’s got some years on it. It’s wild how two houses on the same block can get such different treatment. Hang in there—sounds like you’re doing all the right things.“Worth every penny—cheaper than a hospital bill.”
Man, you nailed it about the insurance folks—sometimes I swear they’re looking for a reason to say “no.” I’ve seen two neighbors get totally different payouts for what looked like the same hail storm. And yeah, drones are cool until the adjuster says the photos are “inconclusive.” Out here, asphalt shingles seem to take the brunt of it, but metal roofs aren’t immune either. Curious—anyone ever actually win an appeal with their insurance? Or is it just a lost cause if your roof’s over 15 years old?
